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Quetiapine (drug)
Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic that blocks dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain to reduce psychotic symptoms and stabilize mood.
Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic that blocks dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain to reduce psychotic symptoms and stabilize mood. Used for Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder (acute mania and maintenance), Major depressive disorder (as adjunctive therapy).
At a glance
| Generic name | Quetiapine (drug) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Medical University of Vienna |
| Drug class | Atypical antipsychotic |
| Target | Dopamine D2 receptor, Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Quetiapine antagonizes dopamine D2 receptors in the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways, reducing positive symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations and delusions. It also blocks serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and has activity at other receptors including histamine H1 and adrenergic receptors, contributing to its mood-stabilizing and anxiolytic effects. This multi-receptor profile distinguishes it from typical antipsychotics and provides efficacy across multiple psychiatric conditions.
Approved indications
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder (acute mania and maintenance)
- Major depressive disorder (as adjunctive therapy)
- Generalized anxiety disorder
Common side effects
- Somnolence/sedation
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Constipation
- Tachycardia
- Orthostatic hypotension
Key clinical trials
- Standardized Sleep Bundle for Cardiac Surgery Patients (NA)
- An Exploratory Analysis of Immune and Inflammatory Response Associated With Clozapine (PHASE4)
- Enhancing Recovery in Early Schizophrenia (PHASE2)
- Intensified Pharmacological Treatment for Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Depression After a First-time Treatment Failure (PHASE3)
- A Study of the Long-term Safety and Tolerability of an Investigational Drug in People With Schizophrenia. (PHASE3)
- Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial for Bipolar Depression (PHASE4)
- Magnetic Seizure Therapy for Psychotic Disorders (NA)
- National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Quetiapine (drug) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Quetiapine (drug) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Medical University of Vienna portfolio CI